Important Message from Fr. Freitag

Dear Parish Family,

It is with great sadness I share with you the news that our beloved Fr. Lyle Konen, C.Ss.R., passed away unexpectedly on Friday, August 8th. Fr. Lyle faithfully served the people of God for decades, bringing the love of Christ to thousands through his priestly ministry, gentle spirit, and steadfast devotion to the sacraments.

In keeping with his wishes, Fr. Lyle’s funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. James Cathedral to accommodate the many people who are able to gather in prayer and thanksgiving for his remarkable life and ministry. This will take place on Friday, August 22nd, at 12:10pm, with Archbishop Paul Etienne presiding.

Another significant loss for us very soon will be Fr. Bill Cleary, C.Ss.R. A few days after Fr. Lyle’s funeral, he will relocate to the Redemptorist senior residence in Liguori, Missouri. We will host a Sunday send-off for him on August 24th after the 10am Mass to express our gratitude and say farewell.

Finally, I also want to let you know that Fr. Dominic Tran, C.Ss.R., has stepped back from his role as our full-time Parochial Vicar but will continue to live in residence at Sacred Heart. While this too is a significant change for our parish family, we are blessed that he plans to continue assisting in celebrating Mass and hearing Confessions as his schedule allows.

Unfortunately, with these multiple losses occurring all at once, we will need to reduce our weekday Mass and Confession offerings. Beginning the week of August 24th, the new daily schedule for our parish family of Sacred Heart of Jesus, Our Lady of Fatima, and St. Anne we be as follows:

· Monday and 1st Saturday – 9:00am Mass at Our Lady of Fatima

· Tuesday and Thursday – 11:00am Confessions and 12:00pm Mass at Sacred Heart

· Wednesday – 5:00pm Confessions and 5:30pm Mass at St. Anne

· Friday – 8:45am Mass at St. Anne and 9:00am Mass at Our Lady of Fatima

Even though this is a time of deep loss for our parish family. Let us take comfort in the promise of Christ, who said, “I am the resurrection and the life; whoever believes in me, even if he dies, will live” (John 11:25). Please join me in praying for the repose of Fr. Lyle’s soul, for Fr. Bill as he prepares to move, and for Fr. Dominic in his continued ministry. May we be inspired by their faithful witness to live out our own call to discipleship with renewed devotion in Jesus Christ.

Faithfully yours,

Fr. Freitag

Pastor of NW Seattle Catholic

Sacred Heart of Jesus | Our Lady of Fatima | St. Anne